The intravenous (IV) therapy safety checklist ensures patient safety and avoids errors during the procedure. Below is a detailed list from this checklist.
Contents of the IV therapy safety checklist
| No. | Content | Achieved | Not Achieved | Notes |
| 1 | Assess the patient | |||
| 2 | Prepare equipment | |||
| 3 | Perform routine handwashing/quick hand sanitization | |||
| 4 | Check the IV solution, disinfect the vial stopper, prepare medications (if needed) | |||
| 5 | Open the IV set and close the IV clamp | |||
| 6 | Insert the IV tubing into the bottle/bag | |||
| 7 | Hang the IV bottle on the stand, expel air, allow the fluid to fill 1/3 ~ 1/2 of the drip chamber, and then close the clamp | |||
| 8 | Connect branch tubing or short extensions to the main IV line (if needed) | |||
| 9 | Choose an appropriate vein for infusion. Place an armrest pillow and tourniquet under the infusion area, prepare adhesive tape | |||
| 10 | Wear clean gloves, put on a mask | |||
| 11 | Apply a tourniquet 10-15 cm above the infusion area | |||
| 12 | Disinfect the infusion site, starting from the center outward, covering at least 10 cm in diameter, disinfect until the skin is clean (minimum 2 times) | |||
| 13 | Stretch the skin, insert the needle at a 30° angle, and advance into the vein until blood appears in the hub | |||
| 14 | Remove the tourniquet, connect the IV line to the infusion needle, and open the clamp to allow fluid flow | |||
| 15 | Secure the IV needle | |||
| 16 | Assess the patient immediately after the infusion | |||
| 17 | -Adjust the drip rate according to the doctor’s order
-Record the date and time of the infusion on the securing adhesive tape |
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| 18 | Instruct the patient to avoid dislodging the IV needle or line, and to notify the nurse/doctor if experiencing unusual sensations | |||
| 19 | Clean up equipment and wash hands | |||
| 20 | Record the procedure in the patient’s file |
Scope of the IV therapy safety checklist
Intravenous fluids in medicine come in various types, serving the function of treating or supporting treatment. These include:
- Nutritional fluids: such as glucose 5%, glucose 10%, glucose 20%, glucose 30%, and solutions containing protein, fat, and vitamins.
- Fluids to provide water and electrolytes: typically used to replenish circulating volume lost due to dehydration or blood loss. Commonly used fluids include lactate ringer, 0.9% sodium chloride, and 1.4% sodium bicarbonate.
- Special fluids: used in cases requiring rapid replacement of albumin or circulating fluids.
This IV therapy technique checklist applies to all types of IV fluids to ensure the highest level of patient safety.
References:
- Ministry of Health (2010). Guide to practicing 55 basic nursing techniques, Volume 2. Vietnam Education Publishing House.
- Ministry of Health (2012). Nursing Skills Textbook. Medical Publishing House, Hanoi.
- Ministry of Health (2012). Decision No. 3671/QD-BYT, Safe Injection Guidelines in Healthcare Facilities.
=>> READ MORE: IV THERAPY SAFETY STANDARDS
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